-26 entries already in

THE Government-sponsored $50M Youth Innovation Project of Guyana (YIPoG) is issuing a clarion call for proposals from youth across Guyana.
The YIPoG is the flagship project of the Ministry of Education’s Department of Youth, funded by the Government. It is a collaborative multi-ministry, multi-stakeholder project that includes governmental, regional, international, and corporate agencies. The project is being held under the theme: Aspire, Inspire, to Reach (AIR).

Guyanese youth aware of issues, challenges or difficulties in their communities and who wish to propose a solution in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Agriculture, Anthropology, Archaeology, Architecture, the Arts, Mathematics and Spirituality (STEAMS), while fostering a green economy, are encouraged to apply.
The project calls for youths to propose a solution to societal issues or overcome the challenges through the application of STEAMS by any of the following approaches: working with friends; sharing proposed solutions; accessing expert advice; or proposing a budget/making an estimate.

The project aims to: decrease unemployment amongst young Guyanese; engage youth in the development of a Green State through the application of STEAMS; foster the development of creative thinking through STEAMS; and develop a network between partners that work in the field of creative thinking and youth development.
According to manager of the project, Grace Roberts-Simon, the department has already received 26 entries. She said that based on initial perusing, Guyanese youth have a lot of commendable, innovative ideas about themselves and development of their communities, while creating employment opportunities for their peers.

With the closing date set for June 30, Roberts-Simon said that the ministry believes that there are others who need to take advantage of the opportunity to bring to life their creativity and innovative ideas with support and guidance from our team.
According to the ministry, participants may be individuals or teams of no more than 10 persons with a named team leader and an identified expert in the project. In addition, participants should be between 16-35 years of age and members of a club or organisation that is registered with the Ministry of Education.

Minister of Education, Nicolette Henry, has expressed excitement about the project, especially in light of the fact that it targets youths. She shared her vision too, of a Guyana where the youth were accessed for innovative solutions to the many problems.
“Not so long ago, I stood where you now stand and looked out at a world full of possibilities. Fortunately, I was encouraged to follow my dreams, to create for myself a path to success. Today, you stand on the cusp of your fullest potential and teeter on the brink of decision-making,” Minister Henry had told youths at the launch of the project in May.
Referencing the challenge, Minister Henry encouraged youths to “Look around you and identify the issues, problems, and frustrations within your community and propose solutions. We suggest STEAMS as a framework for such solutions.”

She noted too that Guyana is forging a green economy, in which government provides enabling policies, structures, and systems, in which its peoples are free to suggest policy, enact structures, and access systems. As such, Minister Henry related that YIPoG is but one way through which “we can celebrate an environment whose benefits redound to all.”
“I look forward to receiving your suggestions, financing your ideas from design to prototype, and matching your prototype-to-production sponsors. Imagine, what our dear land of Guyana could be because of your innovative ideas and pioneering spirit. We are listening, waiting with bated breath to aspire, to inspire, and together to reach our fullest potential as Guyanese,” the minister had said.